WELD IT YOURSELF AND MAKE A FEW BUCKS TO BOOT

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Some units will be sold complete with all the accessories you'll need to begin welding, but others won't .. . and buying the additional equipment separately can add a good bit to your start-up cost. Soin order to know what you are (and aren't) getting and what else you might needlet's review . . .

THE NECESSITIES

A head shield, which is also sometimes called a helmet or face guard, protects your eyes and face, and shouldn't cost more than $20. The glass used in such de vices is very dark, because the light produced while welding is extremely brilliant and can easily cause eye damage. (In fact, the arc is so much stronger than the light given off by oxyacetylene welders that the little glasses used with that equipment won't be enough to safeguard you when using a 230-volt unit. Remember, too, that bystanders should never stare at the arc . .. no matter how much the light draws their eyes.) An arc welder can also give you a "sunburn", and the sparks are-of course-dangerous in their own right. The mask portion of the head shield provides protection against both hazards.

You'll also need a natural-fiber cap to keep sparks away from your head and hair. Polyester and other man-made fabrics tend to melt and drop hot little globs of molten material. Make sure, then, that your head covering is made of a natural fiber such as cotton.

Good leather gloves are necessary, so don't skimp in this department. Get a pair that go past your wrists, and make certain that they fit loosely enough to be flipped off with a flick of the hand. (The first time you pick up a piece of hot metal, you'll understand why that's important.) I'd advise that you invest in a leather apron, too.

Welding rods (electrodes) are essential, of course. Start with E6011 rods, which give good penetration in rusty metal and are considered to be fine general-purpose electrodes. And since you'll almost certainly be working with different thicknesses of metal, get two pounds each of 118", 5132", and 3116" diameter. (EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have difficulty locating a welding supplier who will sell small quantities of rods, you may want to find someone who's willing to split a 50-pound box of electrodes with you . . . or, as an alternative, you can purchase a few pounds of E6013—also a general—purpose rod from Sears, Roebuck and Co.]

Besides welding, your machine can be used for cutting metal. For this purpose it should be equipped with a rod designed for DC, which—though it won't weld on AC—will melt through metal when used on high amperage. The cut won't be as clean as would one made by a gas cutter, but it'll be adequate for most purposes. To handle cutting chores, pick up a couple of pounds of 5/32"—diameter E6010 rods.

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